Lure of Song and Magic Read Online Free PDF

asked, feigning wide-eyed innocence.
    Pippa threw one of her floor pillows at her. “Bertha doesn’t know the meaning of quiet.”
    â€œTelevision pays very well,” Park said, rolling up the mat. “But you are not an actress.”
    â€œYou’re a man who knows how to be polite.” Pippa unfolded from the floor and drifted to the bar where she’d left a prepared vegetable juice and ice cubes.
    â€œBut he’s wrong,” Liz said. “You put on a clown act for the kids, a sophisticated one for the mayor, a strong one for me and Park, and the list goes on. You were born an actress.”
    No, those were all hard-earned lessons—like not arguing with friends. Pippa sipped her drink and hoped the conversation would move on.
    â€œReal acting requires exposing emotion,” Park argued. “Dressing in costumes hides the heart. But why would a TV producer expect a children’s author to act?”
    â€œHe doesn’t. He wants me to read my books, but that’s idiotic. I write books for toddlers. They would sound ridiculous on TV. Besides, writers weren’t meant to be on stage. We’re introverts.”
    â€œHe’s awful cute,” Liz said suggestively. “You could at least talk to him over drinks, pretend you’re considering the idea.”
    â€œYou were at work today. How could you have seen him?” Pippa curled up on the sixties Danish modern couch she’d rescued from a garage sale. She’d had the upholstered cushions refurbished in bright sunset colors. She liked giving new purpose to old things.
    â€œHe was leaning against his Porsche in the parking lot, working his CrackBerry, when we came in.” Liz added a swig of rum from her flask to her juice glass. Pippa’s guests were accustomed to bringing their own alcohol. “Nice abs. I didn’t think TV producers worked out.”
    â€œHe’s what?” Pippa slammed to her feet and strode to the window, but of course, she couldn’t see beyond her courtyard wall. “Now? He’s out there now?”
    Unusual for him, Park lingered after rolling up his mat. “He bowed to us. He has had training. Do you have reason to fear him?”
    Yes, but Pippa couldn’t say that aloud or she’d have to explain why. She paced between the two open rooms, swearing inwardly. “I told him no. I told him in no uncertain terms. He should be back in L.A. What is he doing out there?”
    â€œProtecting his investment?” Liz suggested helpfully. “Bring him over to the Blue Bayou and let him woo you with pretty promises.”
    â€œSo you can tell the entire town that a famous TV producer is here and have them all crowding into the bar?” Pippa knew her friend’s ways too well. “And encourage drunkenness? Let me just give you the hundred bucks you’ll profit. I don’t need the bad karma.”
    â€œThis is a farm town,” Park reminded her. “Men like that have much money that would go far here.”
    â€œHe doesn’t want to film me here,” Pippa protested. “He wants me to go to L.A. And I can’t. I won’t.”
    The very idea was sufficient to send her running for the hills. But she heard the longing behind her friends’ words. Wealthy people might have homes hidden in the hollows and hills above L.A., but they rarely spent their time or money in farm towns like El Padre.
    Liz shot Pippa an angry glare for the blow to her pride and ambition. She’d inherited the Bayou. It was her only income. Park didn’t need money, but he had a large family who did. And they all had friends who were struggling.
    Pippa was the only rich person in town, although most people didn’t realize why. They just assumed writers made money. That was a joke.
    â€œTalk to him, Pip,” Liz urged. “Maybe he’d film here if you insisted. He could rent out the church hall during the week, and maybe